The season is heating up as several teams have established their dominance, while others are licking their wounds after tough losses. Here’s this week’s MCPS top 10 as we head into a pivotal stretch.
1. Northwest Jaguars (4-0)
Last Week: 1
Northwest’s defense has been a brick wall, yet to allow a point this season after blanking rival Seneca Valley 27-0 to retain the King’s Trophy. QB Jayden Vongprachanh-Nelson showed off his arm, throwing for 176 yards and two touchdowns. The Jags will now face their biggest test yet: a Game of the Week showdown against undefeated BCC and their high-powered offense. We’ll soon see if Northwest’s defense is truly elite.
Next Game: at Bethesda-Chevy Chase (4-0)
2. Quince Orchard Cougars (4-0)
Last Week: 2
The Cougars weren’t at their sharpest against a gritty Churchill squad but still secured a 28-0 victory. With star RB Iverson Howard out, QB Travon Jackson stepped up, scoring all four of QO’s touchdowns, three through the air and one on the ground. Next up is a huge test against undefeated Blair in what could be a statement game for both teams.
Next Game: vs. Blair (4-0)
3. Paint Branch Panthers (3-1)
Last Week: 3
Paint Branch exacted revenge on Walter Johnson with a commanding 42-7 victory. RB Alijah Bah was unstoppable, running for 297 yards and four touchdowns, reminding everyone why he’s one of the county’s best players. They’ll have an easy tune-up against Wheaton before a potential season-defining matchup against #1 Northwest looms.
Next Game: vs. Wheaton (0-4)
4. Sherwood Warriors (3-1)
Last Week: 6
Sherwood delivered a statement win, shutting out Blake 24-0 in their heated rivalry matchup. Khalil Wilson shined on both sides of the ball, scoring two touchdowns and grabbing two interceptions. The Warriors now turn their attention to a weakened Gaithersburg team, where they’ll look to keep their momentum rolling in what should be another comfortable win.
Next Game: vs. Gaithersburg (1-3)
5. Bethesda-Chevy Chase Barons (4-0)
Last Week: 6
The Barons crushed winless Kennedy 46-0, but the real test is ahead. Running back Gabe Eisler racked up 142 yards and two touchdowns, but all eyes are now on their clash with #1 Northwest. It’s BCC’s first 4-0 start in two decades, and if they can find a way to penetrate the Jaguars’ unbreakable defense, it could mark a major turning point for the program.
Next Game: vs. Northwest (4-0)
6. Blair Blazers (4-0)
Last Week: 9
Blair’s remarkable turnaround continues as they notched their fourth consecutive win, crushing Einstein 49-6. While their schedule hasn’t been the most challenging, the Blazers’ defense has been lights out, allowing no more than a touchdown per game. Blair faces a true litmus test this week against Quince Orchard, where we’ll see if their rise is for real.
Next Game: at Quince Orchard (4-0)
7. Damascus Hornets (3-1)
Last Week: 7
Damascus had little trouble dispatching Poolesville, cruising to a 48-0 win. The defense was suffocating, forcing six turnovers while allowing just 49 yards. Up next is a tricky road matchup against Magruder, where the Hornets will look to keep rolling ahead of tougher challenges down the line.
Next Game: at Magruder (2-2)
8. Blake Bengals (3-1)
Last Week: 5
Blake’s undefeated start came to a screeching halt against rival Sherwood, as the Bengals were shut out 24-0. QB Kirby Matson struggled, throwing for just 129 yards. Blake will need to regroup quickly, as a dangerous Springbrook team awaits. This game will reveal whether the Bengals can bounce back from adversity or if Sherwood exposed larger issues.
Next Game: vs. Springbrook (2-2)
9. Walter Johnson Wildcats (2-2)
Last Week: 8
Walter Johnson couldn’t keep pace with Paint Branch, falling 42-7 in a rough outing. The Wildcats’ offense struggled to move the ball, though the defense did force two fumbles. WJ will hope to get back on track against Wootton this week, a game they should win, but one that could turn their season around.
Next Game: vs. Wootton (1-3)
10. Seneca Valley Screaming Eagles (2-2)
Last Week: 10
Seneca Valley’s offense was completely shut down by Northwest in a 27-0 loss. The Screaming Eagles managed only 71 yards, but they should have a much easier time this week as they travel to face Richard Montgomery. With the King’s Trophy out of their grasp, it’s time for Seneca to recalibrate and get back to winning ways.
Next Game: at Richard Montgomery (0-4)
Just Missed:
- Rockville (2-2): Quietly putting together a decent season
Final Thoughts: This week’s matchups feature several high-stakes games, particularly with undefeated squads like BCC and Blair facing their biggest tests yet. As Northwest and Quince Orchard try to hold onto their top spots, both will need to bring their A-game against teams eager to prove they belong among the elite.